Applications Now Available for the Town’s 2nd Annual Civic Academy Program
Town Manager Paul Bockelman presents to the town's first civic academy in 2025. Photo: amherstma.gov
Source: amherstma.gov
Applications are now being accepted for the Town of Amherst’s second annual All About Amherst: Civic Academy, a dynamic program designed to give residents an inside look at how local government operates and how they can actively participate in shaping the community. Interested residents should submit a Civic Academy Application by Sunday, September 20.
During this free 8-week program, participants will explore the inner workings of Amherst’s government as they learn about day-to-day town operations, talk directly with town staff, and follow along for behind-the-scenes tours. Participants will not only leave with a stronger understanding of Amherst, but also with the tools necessary to become impactful and civically engaged community members. Learn more at: amherstma.gov/Civic-Academy
“We are very pleased to offer the Civic Academy again this year,” said Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “Last year’s program was a major success, with enthusiastic participation and meaningful engagement from the residents who participated. This year, we’ve refined the program to enhance the experience, and we’re excited to welcome a new class of residents as we build on the success of the first year and continue to strengthen civic involvement in our town.”
Program Details
The second annual Civic Academy will take place this Fall, running from September 30 to November 18. All 8 weekly sessions will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings, except for the week of Veterans’ Day when the session will be on Tuesday, November 10. Sessions will take place at different locations across town and will include relevant department presentations, interactive activities, and/or facility tours. The final session will feature a graduation ceremony, during which certificates of completion will be presented to participants.
Sessions include topics such as:
- All About Amherst: History, Government, & Finances
- Maintaining & Sustaining Amherst: Town Infrastructure and Facilities
- Keeping Amherst Safe: Fire and Emergency Medical Services
- Keeping Amherst Safe: CRESS, Police, and Emergency Communications Center
- Balancing Conservation and Development in Amherst
- Supporting a Vibrant Amherst Community
- Learning & Playing Amherst: Schools, Libraries, & Recreation
- Elections, Legislation, and Getting Involved
Application and Eligibility
The application for the 2026 Civic Academy is now available. Academy size will be limited to 15-20 participants. Applicants must be current residents of Amherst or students enrolled at a university/college in Amherst. Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Apply now: amherstma.gov/civic-academy-apply
Applications must be submitted by Sunday, September 20.
Physical copies of the application are also available at the Town Manager’s Office on the Mezzanine (third floor) of Town Hall at 4 Boltwood Ave. Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Completed applications can be returned to the Town Manager’s Office or by mail.
For more information or questions about the All About Amherst: Civic Academy program, please email getinvolved@amherstma.gov or call 413-259-3002.
The All About Amherst Civic Academy program is led by Communications Manager Samantha Giffen and was developed with the support of summer interns through Amherst College’s Charles Hamilton Houston Internship Program. The intern from 2025 was Abigail Bowen ‘27, and this year is Liana Vanek ‘29.
